September 22, 2011

“horridus”?

Devil’s Club ~ Oplopanax horridus

Every time I see the species name of this plant it occurs to me that the person who named it probably came into contact with its spines. The stems and even the underside of the leaves are heavily armed with large spines which readily break off when one comes in contact with them and the resulting wound soon festers if the spine stays embedded in the skin.

Devil’s Club is a member of the ginseng family, growing up to ten feet tall with leaves over 14 inches across and various parts of it have been used by native peoples to treat a large array of ailments. It is found in Canada in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and in the Yukon, and in the states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Washington, Oregon and Michigan (where it is listed as “threatened”).

These photos were taken in Spring Creek Canyon, where the plant is plentiful. This year I missed the blossoms which are small and white and grow in dense clusters at the ends of the stems. The bright red berries are not edible.

It is fairly common here, but I’ve seen it only in the shade of tall cedars and usually in deep canyons. It is very large and looks very nice when illuminated by a few of the sun’s rays touching it in the deep shade.

Hmmm… A friend in Calgary posted photos of a plant this morning that have identically appearing red berries, but there aren’t any spines, the leaves are different and she suggests the berries are edible. Another reminder that, if you’re in the woods and feel like going all Euell Gibbons, a little caution is called for!

I intend to become more knowledgeable about edible plants, but I’m very cautious and will remain that way. There are a dozen or so berries that I’m comfortable with and two (only) types of mushrooms but there are also several other plants that I can clearly identify but haven’t tried eating yet.

I’ve read that various parts of it were used by Interior native people in the northwest for treating stomach ulcers, thyroid conditions, diabetes and as an emetic, cough syrup and laxative. Various parts were ground into powders for external poultices for arthritis and rheumatism and fresh pieces were laid on open wounds.

Oh wow, what spectacular photos of this wicked and awesome plant! Yowzers, look at those spines. Reminds me of grabbing hold of Stinging Nettle! However, Devil’s Club is much prettier. I really like the first photo!

I have touched them, but fortunately not walked into one. I learned many lessons about thorns, spines and needles during the many years I spent in the Arizona desert, and maintain that same respect for them here!

I have something along my driveway here in the woods that looks like this. Will do a comparison… without touching. Don’t want those spines! Perhaps it’s as far east as the Adirondacks or perhaps it’s a close relative?

That’s not the kind of experience that I enjoy! Those two plants share a lot of the same habitat, too. A few years ago in the canyon where these photos were taken, the trail had become very overgrown and I had to just force my way through thick thimbleberries. I did so with extreme caution, believe me!

Thanks! Yes, this one is unique! I wish you could see it growing under the cedars in one of our canyons, especially in late summer when it’s very hot in the open valleys yet very cool in the deep, damp shade where it grows.

Hi Montucky, I have just returned from a month-long absence. We went to California the long way and saw amazing sights! I do promise to share on my own blog soon. I just love your shots of this flowing vine. Beautiful! You always seem to have the magic touch when photographing blossoms! Have a super great day tomorrow and also for the rest of the week!

Is wordpress having some sort of problem? I have been getting emailed notifications of new comments and new posts as usual, but for some reason the mails are blank, just a block of light blue but no text and no pictures. Has anyone else had this problem?